From Sweden to beautiful Samoa

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 21 December 2017, 12:00AM

Roland Strihmeijer and Ellekari Haraldson of Sweden have been in Samoa for almost three weeks.

Dear Tourist spotted them inside the market at Savalalo looking through some clothing patterns and some souvenirs to take back home.

According to Haraldson, her and her fiancé have always wanted to come to Samoa.

“This is our first time here and we came here because about 50 years ago my father grew up here when he was little because my grandfather was a doctor here at the Motootua Hospital,” she said.

“So growing up, I have always wanted to come here and I told myself that one day I will get to come to Samoa and see this place that my father always talks about.

“We came almost three weeks ago.

“The place is nice and the people are friendly and no wonder my father was a very friendly man because he inherited it from here.”

Throughout the three weeks, the pair said they learned so much.

“We learned a lot in the past weeks and we also had a taste of the Samoan food and it was amazing,” he said.

“Our favorite is taro and palusami.

“They just taste so amazing and I had never tasted anything like that in my life.

“I’m already in love with Samoa.”

So why are we different?

“Samoa is different and except the climate, I think it is more relaxed here,” she said.

“Which in Sweden everyone just focuses on their own lives and their work, but here everyone helps one another, whether they are family or not.

“That is something I will never forget.

“It’s just different to see people help each other out and it’s family oriented, like no matter how old you get, you still live with your parents and look after them until they pass on.

“In Sweden, young ones just can’t wait to reach 18 or 21 years of age so that they can move out of their home.

“But as for here, there is so much respect between the children and the parents and friends as well and I like that.”

She added she wishes they stay longer.

“We will be leaving on the 24th of December, so we will spend Christmas in Australia.

“But we will be back because I just cannot get enough of this and no doubt we will be coming back for more.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 21 December 2017, 12:00AM
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